The relationship of carbon black dispersion to electrical resistivity and vulcanizate physical properties

Abstract The degree of dispersion of carbon black in rubber is known to be a determining factor in the physical properties of the composite. It is important, therefore, to have a reliable, quantitative technique for assessing carbon black dispersion. It has been known for some time that the degree of dispersion of carbon black is reflected in its electrical resistivity. A resistivity instrument, developed by B. Boonstra, has been redesigned and constructed for use in this study. Factors that influence resistivity (i.e., black type, volume loading, and mixing time) are examined. Physical property and dynamic mechanical measurements are made, and their relationship to black dispersion is investigated. Light microscopy is also used to evaluate dispersion, and these data are compared to the resistivity results.